Ask Instructor David Barrett

David,

Loving your site so far!!!!

I'm curoious if there is a master list of all lessons including guest lessons.  I know the lessons tab lists your lessons.  I'm assuming that includes all of your lessons.

I know Joe Falisko teaches some lessons on things such as the "Fox Chase."  I'm assuming that other guests teach lessons too.  Where do I find those?

Thanks, Doug

Hi David,

I watched Joe's video lesson about the different kinds of tone.  The one that blew me away and which is most mysterious to me is what he calls "head tone."  I imagine, like most techniques, it will take a good amount of time and effort to "get it." My question is, how would you start?

I have A and D special 20s.  What is the order of the next keys I should buy to complete the lessons.  

Also, curious about your thoughts on the Eastop 008K for playabiitity and ease of bending compared to the special 20?  Also, tone?

Also, what are your thoughts of the Hohner Rocket Amp compared to the special 20.  

Thanks in advance!  -Doug

P.S.  The lessons are AWESOME so far!!!

Hi David,

After being forced to have a break from harmonica lessons for three weeks due to breathing difficulties caused by Covid-19, I am working on bending notes. I understand what you say that I need to develop muscle memory through putting the hours in.

My question is should I work on one hole at a time until I can comfortably bend the notes of that hole before moving to the next, or is it better to spend a little time on each?

Also, continue reading...

Hi,

To start with, my hearing isn't great so I do have a bit of trouble telling the difference between a B and B flat - I am practising my 4 draw (I can do the 6 ok), so to help me I'm using apps to help out like the T1 Tuner app and the harpninja app on the iphone. When I do a simple draw on hole 4 it comes out at about 500Hz, and when I try to bend I'm struggling to get below 480. What sort of range is generally ok? I don't want to get too clinical with numbers, but I do use them as a bit of a crutch for my hearing!

thanks

  continue reading...

Mr. Barrett:  How long (approximaely) do you estimate it will take to complete all ten Levels of Achievement?

Thansk,

Crazy Uncle Jay

Hi David,

I'm right at the start of this but really enjoying your lessons. I'm working through the 1st and 2nd chorus of Walk With Me.

I have a couple of questions...

1. Is there a way to search the forum using keywords? I can't see a search button but may be just being stupid? continue reading...

Hi David,

I am currently looking at Tongue Block Study 2.

Do you articulate repeated notes that are separated by a tongue slap, or do you play them with the same breath, and just lift the tongue and put it back on the harmonica to separate the individual notes?

Best,

Cornelius

Hi David,

I am beginning to get some bends by drawing the sides of my tongue hard up against my upper back teeth. However, I can only do this while puckering... totally impossible while tongue blocking because this manoeuvre pulls the tip of my tongue back away from the harmonica. Any magic tips?

Many thanks.

Hi David. Are there any materials from other authors you would recommend to accompany your course?

I guess, books with transcriptions of famous harmonica songs and licks are helpful in building one's musical vocabulary. Which of them are good, and on what level of LOA would you recommend to start using them alongside your course?